Job hunting in Nigeria? Here are seven ways to get hired fast

Job-hunting in Nigeria can often feel like a full-time job, especially for fresh graduates and industry novices, but with the right tools, insights, and strategies, landing that next role doesn’t have to take forever.

Every job seeker needs to understand that hiring has evolved beyond traditional methods. Today, technology, particularly AI, plays a significant role in how recruiters hire and how job seekers can clinch jobs.

With that in mind, here are seven key things every job hunter should know:

1. Tailor your CV to every job automatically.

Many job applicants make the mistake of creating a generic CV that they use for all job applications. This is where some platforms come in with AI-powered CV matcher tools. These tools help job hunters customise their CVs based on the specific requirements of each job they apply for, significantly improving their chances of passing through applicant tracking systems (ATS).

In today’s job-seeking world, over 70 per cent of employers use ATS to filter candidates. This is why applicants must shy away from their supposed one-all-rounder CV: a tailored CV increases your chances of getting seen.

2. Tap into a marketplace where jobs are posted daily

Localised search filters are tools that allow job seekers to narrow down their job search to specific locations. These filters are handy for finding jobs in your local area, whether in Lagos, Port’Harcourt, or Kano. They help bridge the gap between qualified job-seekers and potential employers by localising available employers or jobs near you.

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With these tools, over 1,000 fresh jobs are posted daily, and 1 million monthly users allow job seekers access to a robust ecosystem across industries from tech and media to finance and education.

3. Get discovered by employers without applying

This feature is a game-changer, providing relief to both employers and applicants. It saves resources and bridges gaps that might occur during the hiring process, giving job seekers a sense of hope and optimism.

Have you ever imagined getting hired without applying? Through candidate search features, some employers now scout and approach job seekers directly on platforms where you’ve uploaded a solid profile and updated CV.

This may require applicants to optimise their search engine. To make this work, job hunters are implored to use profiles updated with keywords from their desired industry. This is a secret to boost one’s sales discoverability.

4. Learn from the experts for free

From career webinars to resume clinics and workplace readiness guides, free resources are always available online to support and encourage applicants. Whether you’re prepping for interviews or transitioning between industries, there’s something to learn from at every stage.

Some platforms offer over 1,000 free career resources and scholarships to help applicants get started, exposed or re-skilled.

5. Stay informed with real labour market insights

Understanding trends, such as what roles are in demand, what industries are hiring, or average salary benchmarks, can sharpen your job strategy.

Some job platforms have recently published regular job market reports and HR advisories that help job seekers and shape government and corporate hiring policies.

These key data points are available to applicants; job hunters can use them as a cheat sheet for industry-specific insights before interviews.

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6. Apply smarter, not harder

Instead of applying randomly, use data to your advantage. There are top-ranked platforms that don’t just post jobs but also possess practical tools to connect job-seekers to employers.

Also, such platforms prioritise actual placement outcomes, using tools optimised to connect the right candidate with the right employer more efficiently.

Over 52,000 jobs were posted on just one platform in Kenya alone last year, increasing job-seekers’ chances of landing their dream jobs.

7. Be part of Africa’s career revolution

Additionally, several career tech platforms aim to connect over 100,000 young Africans to sustainable jobs by 2030, with expansion plans into the UK and smarter AI integrations already underway.

This necessitates that job applicants position themselves effectively on career-based sites to make themselves employable for imminent job expansion.